The professor also called on China to develop its own system of rule of law.

"It doesn't want to copy anyone else's. It has to develop the basic Chinese system of law, but it has to be more predictable," he said.

Meanwhile, Westad stressed the importance of an independent judicial system, saying China has progressed toward that direction.

In Thursday's communique, the CPC promised legal reforms that are aimed at giving judges more independence and limiting local officials' influence over courts and cases.

"If rule of law is to be established, the judiciary has to be independent," Westad said. "So I think there is a lot that needs to be done with this, but I think the plenum is a big step forward."

Bambang Suryono, head of the academic research organization of Nanyang ASEAN Foundation, said advancing the rule of law in China will create a level-playing legal field for both Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs and investors, lowering running costs of the business sector while increasing its operating efficiency.

It will also provide a legal foundation to fight against vested interests, and also be conducive to protecting the achievements of China's reform and opening-up, Suryono added.

City councilor Sun Yaoheng of South Africa's Johannesburg said comprehensively advancing the rule of law in China will bring about more equity policies and overall improvement to the country's development.

"The rule of law and well-founded policies with strong execution are essential to a prosperous China," he added.